DAY 67: Autopilot Is Better -- In Ways You May Not Realize!

I'd imagine all Tesla owners remember the first day they experienced Autopilot in the wild. That sensation of watching the car turn by itself to follow the road, and that freak-out moment wondering if the car really will stop behind another stopped car... was thrilling! That "first" never get old.

But after a while, using it on a regular basis, you begin to learn its quirks and shortcomings. Tesla still brands their Autopilot as "Beta" and that's a good thing. No one needs to be rushing ahead with pretending a Tesla actually drive itself yet -- even if it might feel that way. But a seasoned Tesla owner (I'm not there yet, but slowly), knows the small nuances of what Autopilot is capable of.

I have a brutal commute going home from work. I wake up early to avoid traffic in the mornings, but most days, I'm caught in traffic coming back home... and I mean stop and go traffic half of my one-hour commute home. I used to own a manual transmission ICE car, so you can imagine how excited I was to try Autopilot in my Tesla on this route.

Here's my first experience, as captured by a "Pro Tip of the Week" that I was selected for on my favorite Tesla Podcast, Ride The Lightning, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey

(skip ahead to 58:18)



So I figured this out pretty quickly by the third day of ownership that setting my car length to 3 or higher does get Sparky to brake a little more gently. The level of gentleness increases with the car length setting. I also didn't realize I could press the accelerator while Autopilot was engaged. And in fact, that little tip has helped me in a lot of other situations as well! I am learning slowly how to do this thing called "EV Driving!"


BUT TODAY, I noticed something else on my stop and go commute. There's a good portion of my route where the road winds back and forth for most of the way. This is the route where I'm typically stuck in slow-moving traffic -- which makes Autopilot even more of a godsend. However, a few of the turns on this route are right at an intersection. So when you go through the intersection, you actually need to steer the car into a turn to arrive in the lane after the traffic light. And of course, the lane marking ends at a intersection and picks up again on the other side.

Well, let me tell you that in situations where a lane doesn't go straight, and then interrupts only to start again slightly off of the mark, Teslas can get really confused, and typically this is where owners will break it out of Autopilot and take over. In these intersections, you can picture the Tesla facing forward for a moment towards the shoulder of the road on the other side of the intersection. Often times it would look like it was drifting towards the shoulder, and then would quickly jerk itself back within the lane when it arrived on the other side.

(I'm going to update this blog with a picture from my dashcam the next time I get footage.)

There are three-to-four tricky turns on this route home just like this, and for almost all of them, my Tesla would get confused, and then do the quick "jerky" correction.

BUT THIS IS WHERE I'M GETTING EXCITED!!

I've had 3 software updates... count them... THREE!!!  And each time, I swear this abrupt corrective movement by my Tesla softened up considerably.

Well, 2 days ago was my most recent update, and today -- my first time back on this route home since that update -- I noticed that the jerking motion is virtually GONE! I mean, seriously... it's like Sparky has ridden this route so many times that he knows now how to make those tricky turns.

I am totally amazed! Yes, this car gets better over time in that I get cool new features and optimizations. But it's these little improvements that amaze me. My car is actually learning to drive itself out of "Beta-Mode" and I'm so, so excited!!!!

I think we need to have a graduation ceremony when the "beta" status is finally removed. :)

***

The other new thing I noticed today was a new indicator on my centre console.

I charged my car at work today and increased the battery level to almost 100% to get ready for the road trip tomorrow. I probably got to about 97% before I left. And I noticed a dotted line in my energy status line:

I got a notice about ... "something"... I don't recall, but it had to do with regenerative braking and a request to adjust the charging limit. It was reset to 80% even though I had well over that in the battery.

Here's a snapshot after I got home...

My guess on that dotted line is that regenerative braking would only work until where the dotted line starts. After that, it's limited or not functional. But honestly, I'm not completely sure. (Feel free to comment if you know for sure what that dotted line represents).

Something new to take note of... always so much to discover. Sparky keeps my curiosity entertained, and that's great for a geek like me!!!

***

Odometre Reading Today: 6611 kms

My Referral Code: somi22310

DAY 55: Personalized Tesla Orientations for New Drivers

Yesterday (Day 55) was one of those days where I genuinely was sick of hearing myself talk. But it was worth the time and effort to introduce the Tesla to friends and family.

***

I had lunch with a friend about 3 weeks ago in the middle of my work day. We caught up with our lives, and of course the biggest news in my life was my new Tesla -- and she knew it! So she asked lots of questions, and I was more than delighted to share about it.

After lunch, I took her on a short test ride. The part of Vancouver that we drove was congested and really not conducive to showing off the car. I could even barely get my car to self-park (something she wanted to see).

About two weeks later, I got an email that said she had ordered a Tesla and had some questions about it. The first thing I thought of (selfishly) was... "OMG! Did she use a referral code?!?! I don't remember giving her mine!" After I calmed down, I called her and left a message... something like...

"WHAT?!?! You ordered a Tesla? I didn't even know you were interested! If I knew I would have given you a proper drive! I'm SOOOO excited for you! Please let me know when you have a delivery date! I'll come with you! They will probably rush you through the orientation, and now that I know what to check, I can inspect with you! I want to know what colour you got! I want to know the features! Did you get Self-Driving?!?!"

(Yup, I'm officially a Tesla-loving maniac.)

***

Next day, I get another email...

Yup, she already HAS the Tesla.

Apparently, it took two weeks between the order and delivery. Standard Range Plus, black/black. It doesn't get any more basic than that. I suspect they had plenty already available for purchase.

This first Tesla question made me feel a little embarrassed. For someone who has the means to drive nice cars, and just closed her lease on her BMW, she is used to solid-working auto wipers with sensors in the windows. To tell her that they are not up to par when we live in a climate where it rains half the year was embarrassing. All I could emphasize was that Tesla is abundantly aware of the issue because the Tesla community is quite vocal about it. The "pluses" are  (1) Tesla listens to their customers and follows social media to work on making customers happy, and (2) I'm told that the wipers have actually improved over the last 6 months, and with software updates, we can expect them to continue to improve over time without ever having to buy a new car.

***

I made time to meet her today (well, now yesterday), and I started with the questions "So what do you KNOW so far about driving this car?" And she answered, "Pretty much, nothing." She had not tried the autopilot, most of the settings were new to her. She had questions about the LTE service, if the scroll wheel turns up the volume, etc.  And then she confirmed that on the day of delivery, the orientation was really rushed, just like I said it would be.

(a rant has been deleted)

I sent her some links to beginners guides, and invited her to some Tesla groups she could follow. But nothing beats the in-person orientation.

***

This took SO long, that I missed lunch, and then had to head straight over to my cousin's place where I had promised him a test drive of my Tesla along with my nephew who I had proclaimed that Tesla was his DREAM CAR! My mother was the one to mention that I had one, and he was excited.

On top of that, it was another 1.5 hours of teaching him how to drive a Tesla -- this time for the first time!

But this post is getting way too long and out of hand already, so I'll pick this up again tomorrow.

But before I go, my sentry footage was showcased on my favorite YouTube Channel, Now You Know! I sent it to them just because I thought it was interesting. They asked for permission to put it on their show, and I was more than honoured! (starts at 3:25)



***

Today, nothing eventful. There are more bicyclists on the roads at the university where I work, and I'm finding myself dropping autopilot when I pass them -- just as a safety precaution in case they don't hear me coming and veer out into the road. One of these days, I'm going to have a close call... I can feel it.


Odometre reading today: 5680 kms

DAY 52: The New Tesla Experience -- All Over Again

This morning, I woke up to find out that a friend of mine, who got a test ride in my Tesla for about 10 minutes (which I honestly thought was for fun) had just finished put in an order for a Tesla! I missed my window to give my referral code. I hope she used someone's! It's the summer, and having that 1500 KMs of free supercharging could come in handy! I really need to stop being so shy about giving out my referral code -- like I'm trying to get people to buy the car. I mean, C'mon! Teslas sell themselves!!!

***

On the way back from work I gave my co-worker and her hubby a chance to actually drive my Tesla Model 3 back home. It's interesting to watch someone else go through the new Tesla experience. It's like those new mothers who are surrounded by other mothers who can relate to that new joy of having a precious little one that you love more than anything -- partly because they get it, but also because witnessing someone discovering that joy for the first time brings back your own joy when it was your first time.

I definitely wasn't prepared to demonstrate all the key features. I'm starting to think that I need to make a checklist so when I take people for a ride, I hit all the key important features before they actually start driving!

For example, today I sort of took glee in showing that the screen would display the bicyclist that we were about to pass... and there it was! But it didn't dawn on me that, because they don't know much about a Tesla, they thought the car would detect people while in Autopilot. Well, this is Vancouver, and we have jaywalkers galore. We had one in our path later on, and though the car was slowing down, I just assumed my new test driver would hit the brake. Turns out, he thought the car would see him and stop, and so I had to tell him last minute to hit the brake. That's when I said that autopilot is still in beta and not really meant for regular city roads. And while it might be able to see people, it doesn't know to stop for them.  Whew!

But that first reaction when the Autopilot takes a turn for the first time without touching the wheel; the first time you see it actually stop when the car in front of you stops; witnessing the car change lanes by itself... the "WOW!" with that crazy grin that comes when you discover something new... I LOVED seeing it happen to them! No wonder owners want to take people for rides all the time!

*****

Later this evening, I finally took 4 ladies at my church for a drive in the Tesla. They are mostly seniors -- mid-50s and older. These ladies have probably heard me talk about my Tesla more than anyone else in my life combined! Every week they ask if I know when I'll get it -- for THREE YEARS! Tesla did their reveals on Thursday nights during my choir rehearsals. So on the Model 3 reveal in 2016, during our rehearsal break, I pulled out my iPad and looked for a picture of what my future car would look like -- and they were there with me! Same thing with the Model Y. I think they just loved watching me delight in the idea of getting this car. And they genuinely celebrate with me as well.

It seems ironic that tonight, one of the ladies -- probably in her late 70s -- showed us a picture of a World War II plane flying near their back yard of her house when she was a child. Many of the ladies are of that age or older and reminisced about seeing those planes and what happened during the war. And now, over 75 years later, sitting in what seems like a robot car must have been surreal. Time certainly has passed quickly!

I do have to say -- I never get tired of showing off "Emissions Testing" mode. The laughter and delight that follows is just priceless, no matter what the age! Whether you're 2 years old or 90 years young -- who doesn't love a good fart prank!

DAY 47: The Tesla is Safer in Autopilot, Mom!

So trying to convince my mother, who is in her mid-70's and driven by "Mom-paranoia" that buying a Tesla was a good decision, I realize now is a lost cause. It's going to take a LONG time for her to understand that gas cars are going to be a thing of the past.

Yesterday, I offered to chauffer her and my cousin (who came into town for the wedding) around in my Tesla. The wedding was taking place about 10 minutes away from where I live. The location to pick up my mother was 30 minutes away... in the opposite direction!

This is what happens when you own a Tesla. Every excuse to drive is logical!

My cousin was fascinated with the idea of the Tesla. So on a short stretch of highway, I put it in Autopilot and demonstrated it taking a turn and changing lanes by itself. Immediately, my mother (with a mom-voice) said, "Drive safe! We have a guest."

Okay, I have to not take that personally. This was an opportunity to educate. I explained that we ARE safer in Autopilot. I can't see beside me and behind me at the same time as in front. And I pointed out on the screen that while I can't see the car in front of the car in front of me, obviously the computer can. And if THAT car slammed on its brakes, the Tesla would know to stop before I even knew what was going on! Then I showed blindspot detection. I also told her how in Autopilot, if anything happened to me, this car would realize that I'm not okay, slow down to a stop, and call the ambulance. Everyone in the car would stay safe and sound.

I admit, she seemed a little more convinced. Every little bit helps. It'll be a slow run, but I really believe she will come to understand how worth it the investment this car is.

The one thing she HAS accepted... allowing me to drive her around because it saves money on gas. Asian Moms! HAHA!

DAY 48: Down the Mountain, Up Goes the Range

Just got back from visiting Joffre Lake (24 minutes east of Pemberton, BC). The drive is a steady incline up the mountain.

If you have not tried a Tesla on a steep incline, that's an experience you must try in the driver's seat.

Having driven a stick shift for the last 13 years, I always assumed I had the next best thing to a turbo engine when it came to inclines. I had full control over the power through the gears, and could pass whoever I wanted. But my car worked hard, and the sound of the engine gave away my every move. As soon as it started roaring, cars beside me knew I was ready to pass them.

And then I tried some of these steep inclines in my Tesla Model 3. It's so smooth! The acceleration is so effortless, you might as well be driving on level ground. The sound of the engine is no more louder, and the responsiveness is like none other. It's like pushing a hot knife through butter -- it's smooth and calming.

In preparation for the trip up the mountain, I figured at 200 kms left on my range, I should top up just in case. After all, it's a two way trip into the mountains. What I forgot was that I would be GAINING range on the way back!

When I saw how long the green status bar was growing on the way down, I started to glance at the kms. I started with about 210 kms. By the time I was down the mountain 20 minutes later, it was reading 225. The interesting thing is, it went up by 5 km increments, not one 1 km at a time as I had expected. So really, I'm confident I gained more than 15 kms, but definitely less than 20.

The thing is, I think I'm still experiencing "new-EV-owner" range anxiety. My suspicion is that because I have to have Sentry Mode on all the time (all day at work, all night at home), my range goes down during the week almost as much as I commute. So experiencing that rhythm of charging for the past 6 weeks, I'm expecting the same output when I'm on a road trip. But in actuality, I get MORE range because my car isn't sitting there losing battery power for hours on end. I get to use that to actually drive. It's a mental update that I need to consciously make when I'm on my road trips.

But the absolute best part was being able to actually enjoy the journey. Going down the mountain is when you are able to really view the backdrop of the snow-covered Canadian Rockies, and they were breathtaking. TeslaCam just doesn't do it justice. But with a crazy, winding road like this one, no driver in their right mind would be looking up to see the mountains. With Autopilot engaged, I was able to glance up on a regular basis to enjoy the view. And that makes the difficult drive so enjoyable.

Just as an update on my rims, I did have just enough rim protector to replace the one I scratched. It looks as good as new again, and amazingly easy to apply. I would highly recommend them.